After one of the most high profile murder trials in recent local history, Stephen Nodine's fate is still in limbo.

The judge declared a mistrial after the jury declared they were hopelessly gridlocked on the murder and stalking charges, after one day of deliberation.

Most folks are interested in the breakdown of the jurors' thinking, and that was 9-3 in this case, in favor of guilty.

The most important thing is the truth. We can handle the truth, but we just don't know what it is yet.

Anyway, it's a do-over.

The Press-Register editorial:

WHATEVER THE fate of former Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine, the evidence throughout his murder trial showed that people who could have helped the victim, Angel Downs, did not.

The mistrial means Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb could not convince the jury that Mr. Nodine was guilty of murdering Ms. Downs outside her Gulf Shores condominium on Mother's Day. But because the jury didn't acquit him, either, it's likely that District Attorney-elect Hallie Dixon will have to determine whether to try him again.

Regardless of the evidence presented, including forensics experts with opposing opinions and a "demonstration" of the shooting by Ms. Newcomb that backfired badly, the trial did reveal that Mr. Nodine and Ms. Downs maintained a volatile and abusive relationship for six years.

And during that time, witnesses said, it was clear Mr. Nodine's rages were known to some of Ms. Downs' friends and family. Yet there was no testimony that anyone called the police -- even when Mr. Nodine was pounding on her door and windows late at night, or when Ms. Downs texted a relative just minutes before her death, asking about where to shoot someone if she had to and saying that Mr. Nodine was "here."

One witness said she learned of a physical fight between the two in New Orleans last year. And previous allegations in the bill of impeachment that preceded Mr. Nodine's resignation as county commissioner referenced a report that he flashed a sheriff's department badge to keep people from intervening in his confrontations with Ms. Downs.

Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson Jr. said Mr. Nodine was threatened with arrest at the Mobile oil spill command center when he appeared there, apparently intoxicated, but he was allowed to leave.

For people who followed the trial, it presented an education in domestic violence. Ms. Downs, witnesses said, repeatedly tried to break off the relationship with Mr. Nodine, who at the time was married; but she would tell friends one thing and then do another. As a result, jurors heard vivid accounts of Mr. Nodine's disturbing behavior and then heard contrasting testimony that the couple was seen walking happily on the beach.

Too often, a victim in an abusive relationship won't end it, believing she can't. Police, shelter workers and counselors try to help these victims, but if they don't seek help themselves or if someone who knows what's happening doesn't notify authorities, little can be done until a tragedy occurs.

Meanwhile, the jury did convict Mr. Nodine of a misdemeanor ethics violation: using his county-owned pickup -- seen speeding from the scene of Ms. Downs' death -- for what was obviously not county business. He also stands convicted of a federal drug and weapons charge, and faces drug charges in Mobile County.

A mistrial is always an unfortunate way for a trial to end, but if jurors are truly unconvinced of their verdict, especially when the charge is murder, the judge has no choice. For now, Stephen Nodine remains in limbo, and no one has proved what happened.